Meryl Streep’s House & Bakery in “It’s Complicated”

by hookedonhouses on July 11, 2010

When the movie “It’s Complicated” hit theaters in late 2009, I posted a few photos of the Spanish-style ranch that Meryl Streep’s character Jane lives in. Since then, I have gotten numerous requests for more photos, including ones of the sumptuous bakery that she owns. All of the sets were pretty incredible, so I think it warrants the full Movie Monday treatment.

Writer and Director Nancy Meyers calls this “The Santa Barbara movie we filmed in New York.” The house they used for exterior shots was in the Hidden Valley area, which is about an hour south of Santa Barbara (“Filming in Santa Barbara would have been too expensive”), and the interiors for the houses and the bakery were built on a soundstage in Brooklyn.

Living Room:

Everything looks so warm and sunny in the movie that you’d never would guess that it was actually cold and snowing outside these soundstages during much of the filming, would you?

The painting over the fireplace was done by artist Mitchell Johnson.

Jane’s friends were played byMary Kay Place (amazing on “Big Love” as Adaleen Grant, and a long-time friend of Nancy Meyers’), Rita Wilson (who is Meryl Streep’s friend in real life), and Alexandra Wentworth.

The large armoire opens to reveal a TV for the family to watch on Movie Night:

SPOILER ALERT! I will be discussing major plot points from this point on. Look away if you haven’t seen the movie yet!

You can see the living room behind Jane and Adam (Steve Martin) as they chat in the kitchen. Martin plays the nice guy who is courting her, unaware that her ex Jake (Alec Baldwin) is trying to win her back.

Meyers says she was influenced by old screwball comedies like His Girl Friday (one of my all-time faves!) where the exes fall in love again and it complicates things. In “His Girl Friday,” Rosalind Russell is all set to marry nice-guy Ralph Bellamy when her ex, played by Cary Grant, reenters the picture and decides he wants her back. Poor Ralph doesn’t stand a chance.

Meyers says that after “It’s Complicated” came out, someone said to her, “You let Ralph Bellamy get the girl!”

Jane’s grown children looked to me like they were plucked right out of a J. Crew catalog.

John Krasinski played Harley, engaged to Jane’s daughter Lauren. Meyers enjoyed working with him so much in “The Holiday” (he had a small role as Cameron Diaz’s assistant) that she cast him again in this one.

Did you know he married Emily Blunt in Italy over the weekend? Loved her in “The Devil Wears Prada.”

The food in the movie was as drool-worthy as the sets were, thanks to Food Stylist Susan Spungen. You can read an interview with her about how she made everything look so fabulous here.

Patio:

Hallway:

Bedroom:

Bath:

Meryl Streep only looks like she’s sitting in a tub full of water here. She’s actually dry, sitting under a shelf that was built around her. There’s a Tupperware bowl with water on top of the shelf that she uses to dip her washcloth into.

The setup was Streep’s idea, who didn’t want to sit in water for the 2-3 days it would take to film the scene.

Garden & Yard:

When Adam staked out where the addition would be, I was gobsmacked. It’s going to be HUGE. And I’ll admit I still don’t entirely understand why she even needs a new kitchen, when the one she has is already so lovely, and she’s living alone.

But it works for the story, I guess, and brings Adam into her life. I just hope there’s a sequel so we can see how it all turns out!

Jane’s Bakery:

When Jane tells Adam he can choose anything from her bakery’s menu, and then she makes him that divine-looking chocolate croissant, I was ready to marry her myself! Every time I see the movie I go away from it hungry.

Did you think Jane ended up with the right guy in the end?

I was glad she didn’t fall for Jake again, which would have been a little more predictable, but I thought Adam was a bit dull. I wish he had been more like Newton Davis, the architect he played in “Housesitter” (one of my favorite Steve Martin characters–photos of that movie here).

His Girl Friday is one of my favorite movies of all time, no wonder I love It’s Complicated so much! I had no idea it was filmed for the most part in NY. Such a great movie and a wonderful post!!!
.-= Candi´s last blog ..Spread the word =-.

kellyJuly 11, 2010 at 7:46 pm

Thank you so much for posting this! I loved the house, but it was the bakery that I wanted to see more of!! As far as her ending up with the right guy, for some reason I wanted her to end up with Jake again. Steve Martin was too subdued in this movie. Thanks again for a marvelous movie Monday…. (and I am hoping you are planning on doing the cottage from On Golden Pond at some point in the future.)

Julia! I love this post. I have been wanting to do screen captures of that house and bakery but I downloaded the movie from iTunes and being the evil thing that it is you can’t screencapture. Can you do the daughter’s cottage? Pretty please. Whenever you get time.
.-= Jessica at Lavender and Lilies´s last blog ..Coming Soon =-.

KimJuly 11, 2010 at 7:48 pm

Neat house! My favorite room of the whole house is the family room. It has a nice and warm feeling.

Loved her kitchen in that movie! I was actually sad she wanted a newer bigger version. Couldn’t figure that one out at all:) Her garden and that land really stole my heart. I was glad she didn’t choose Jake again too. That would have been kinda weird. That scene where they were both high was hysterical! I laughed so hard I think I peed a little;)
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..The Badlands -amp Wall Drug =-.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for such fabulous pictures … it’s like being invited backstage with all of your great information! I loved the movie … and now I feel as if I simply MUST rush right out and rent His Girl Friday! The bakery in It’s Complicated is just to die for. Thanks again for the treat!

I LOOOOVE the house and kitchen from “It’s Complicated” and I’m so glad to find the link for the recipes, too! Wish she would have inlcuded that pasta pesto potato green bean dish. I’m going to check out Susan Spungeon’s book now.

SarahJuly 11, 2010 at 9:39 pm

Gorgeous home, bakery, AND food! I loved that she ended up with Steve Martin. In real life I dated lots of Alec Baldwins, but ended up marrying a Steve Martin. Never judge a book by its cover–those types of nice, boring boys deep down are some of the best, most exciting men in the world!

As usual with Nancy Meyers’ movies, I liked the sets better than the movie. Great post! I now want to see “His Girl Friday”. I love Cary Grant.
.-= Nichole´s last blog ..Those Little White Lies Our Parents Tell Us =-.

BuddiegirlJuly 11, 2010 at 10:20 pm

I loved the house, loved the garden and loved the bakery. I’ve always wanted to own a bakery cafe and that one is as perfect as you could hope for.

Thank you for posting the pictures, I know I will be revisiting them whenever I am frustrated with my own tiny kitchen.

BTW, I liked that she picked Adam, he may have seemed dull, but I think she could loosen him up. Look how much fun they had smoking that joint. I laughed my head off when I saw that part.

EvelynJuly 11, 2010 at 11:16 pm

Love, love, love this movie….and the sets are drool worthy. I loved how Alec Baldwin really pursued her but Steve Martin was the stable guy she needed. And he was hilarious when he was “feelin’ groovy.” He’s one of my favorites…I just love how funny he is when he’s being silly. Just cracks me up.

“The setup was Streep’s idea, who didn’t want to sit in water for the 2-3 days it would take to film the scene.” <- best line EVER! Haha…what a bizarre job. Can you imagine part of your job being to sit in water for 2-3 days? That's so weird!

I haven't seen this movie yet, but I love the house (and Meryl Streep!)…but I think I love her garden even more! I'm super jealous. I'm surprised to hear she ended up with Steve Martin, though…you are right, Alec Baldwin is definitely the more predictable choice!
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..Sunday Night Sunset =-.

Oh…how I love this movie. I wanted her to get back with Jake but she made the right choice. Jake would have just hurt her again in the end. This time she needed a man that would put her first. That said…I can’t wait for a sequel and see Jake try again. Myself…if I was in that situation…I totally would have tried again with Jake knowing he’d just hurt me again, but I would not be able to resist him.

p.s. “A Single Man” is now on “On Demand” or available to rent….you’ve got to see this movie…it’s gorgeous and for the cinematography and the set decoration. Plus I loved the story. I’d love to see you talk about it here.

That’s a perfect Movie Monday, it’s Marvellous Movie Monday !
Thank you so much for this long and lovely post about ‘It’s Complicated”, I will save all the pictures for my own inspiration book ^^

And for your question, yes I think Jane endep up with the right guy, his “dullness” is maybe just a bit of shyness and sadness due to his divorce…
Anyway absolutely love the movie and the set of course
.-= Goldenberry´s last blog ..Scotland addiction =-.

Thanks for sharing! I agree that Adam would’ve been better if he was a bit more like the Housesitter character… he was a bit boring, but still the right choice. And, wow! Her addition was HUGE. When we were watching, my mom couldn’t get over how much she didn’t need that extra space.

E. GeorgeJuly 12, 2010 at 5:04 am

Hi Julia hope you are enjoying your summer – its still cold over here so thanks for cheering me up with this beautiful movie, it has to be my favourite – right now anything with chocolate, count me in. Love everything about it. I’m glad she chose the guy who treated her with respect and honesty. I confess I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve drooled over this movie – so I say bring on the sequel……with the chocolate croissant……. Regards Esther from Sydney…… brrrrrrrr…..

Yay, Julia! So glad you did this. I adore anything Nancy Meyers touches! How much would we all kill to have that bakery in our town?
.-= Catherine at Design Editor´s last blog ..Baby Week- My Favorite Things =-.

I loved everything about the house and bakery! I think the right choice was made with ADAM. She really needed a calm force in her life…but I think he has the wit and charm and sweetness with a touch of mischeviousness to make the perfect mix. I would have chosen Adam in a flash. A cute architect with with a sweet nature who likes to laugh … as they say in the movies…you had me at hello (and lets look at the plans together! ha).

Can’t believe I still haven’t seen this movie, going on my list for this week! And I’ve decided that one of my life dreams is to have a Jon Hutman house. I’ve never seen a house he has created for a movie that I didn’t absolutely love. I always look at them and think, ” yes, this is exactly what I want in my house” but the execution in real life is, well it is a rough draft to say the least.
.-= hip hip gin gin´s last blog ..Style Inspiration- Helen Mirren =-.

I never did see the movie, and I’m not sure I want to rent it either, although I’m a big fan of Meryl Streep. I luv the house of course especially the kitchen, the veggie garden and her wonderful bakery!
-marie
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Tribute to New Orleans =-.

Thanks so much for the tour — I love Jon Hutman’s work. I haven’t seen the film yet, but I might have to rent it this weekend just to savor the house.
.-= Abigail Prescott´s last blog ..Alpha Testing the Cabinets =-.

I love the house and the possible addition. I love that she ended up with Steve Martin. I loved his character in this movie…and he’s not dull, they were smoking pot at her son’s grad party. I thought it was hilarious.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Faces Need =-.

tinaJuly 12, 2010 at 3:26 pm

Its so funny, just yesterday I was going to watch a movie and I couldn’t decide between You’ve got Mail and Its Complicated. The real reason I watch though is the sets, I absolutely love the sets in both and can’t get enough of them. My husband thinks its so funny that watching movies over and over again for me has nothing to do with the storylines!! Although in both these movies, I do love the storylines!!

I love the set design on this movie because it was ‘so california’. I love that look that only California has, the sun seems to shine differently there! There’s a casual, inside/outside living that seems so effortless. I loved the great big windows framed in black, and that they even incorporated a TV. The garden…whoa..that was awesome.
I guess she wound up with the right guy, but I can understand the attraction the the Alec type of man too..it just never seems to work out. so sad.
I think I now need a chocolate croissant.
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Crunch went the truck =-.

This is my new favorite movie house. All through the movie I was just “ooh”ing and “ahhh”ing at the gorgeousness. And that bakery…the stuff of dreams. Sigh…I think I need to rent it and watch again.
.-= Mrs. B.´s last blog ..97 =-.

So glad to see that everyone LOVED that house and bakery as much as I did. My mom and I would rewind scenes to look at the decor over and over again. I just wanted to jump through the screen and live in that kitchen!!!! I have to admit, I wanted her to end up with Jake. Predictable, I know, but I thought they had great chemistry.
.-= Ashley Stinson´s last blog ..Fabulous Giveaway – My Sweet Savannah =-.

I just watched this movie over the weekend and fell in love with the whole house and set up. I was hoping you would have covered it, and am so glad you did. That house is not my usual style, but for some reason I just loved the relaxed atmosphere associated with it. I loved the kitchen and the bakery too. I could see myself in that lifestyle. But not before I go study in France on how to make proper pasteries. lol.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Marius the Chef =-.

Ms. TishJuly 30, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Dude! You should give a SPOILER ALERT warning! I haven’t seen the movie yet, but was intrigued by the decor. I guess I’ll still watch it, just for the house alone!

hookedonhousesJuly 31, 2010 at 10:03 pm

Oops! You’re right. I’ll add a Spoiler Alert. Sorry if I ruined it for you! -Julia

FAugust 5, 2010 at 3:56 pm

I cannot thank you enough for posting this! You’re awesome!

JustineAugust 17, 2010 at 10:31 am

I hope I have the right person.

I have been doing so much effort. I would be soooo happy if you can help.
In the movie “It’s complicated”, Beth Rubino has these beautifull cusions with leave-pattern in the bench. Can you let me know where I can get the fabric, or the cushions??

If not, can you tell me who to contact? I would be so much helped. Search has taken me weeks already.

Thank you so much.

Mrs. J. de Klerk-Janknegt
The Netherlands

hookedonhousesAugust 17, 2010 at 10:37 am

I’m sorry, but I have no information about where to buy things shown in the house. Good luck! -Julia

RobSeptember 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm

A real architect (not Steve Martin!) could sell hundreds of copies of the plans for this house – anybody working on developing them?

hookedonhousesSeptember 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm

You’re right–they could! Someone needs to get to work on that for us. -Julia

Laura KafkaSeptember 14, 2010 at 7:03 am

Julia,
Like you, I have been drawn to certain movies, only because I want to anaylze under a microscope (honestly, frame-by-frame on pause) the sets, or homes, in them. Am a budding interior residential designer, and want to say THANK YOU for a website that is dedicated to this very subject! It is so nice to simply come here and research and/or drool, rather than buying or renting the movie. Cheers to those with kindred home haunting spirits! Warmest Regards, Laura M. Kafka

ChristinaOctober 16, 2010 at 9:27 pm

I am so happy to see this on the movie house list. I loved this movie! Anything Nancy Meyers touches is amazing. Especially with the homes, apts, every living space she makes is a piece of art! I love her movies. She and Nora Ephron are great at creating such incredible homes. I loved this house. I loved the bakery that Meryl owned. It was so pretty. Very french, very charming. Everything about the movie was so fun and colorful. The house was perfect just the way it was. I know she wanted to enlarge her kitchen/house, but this one was great the way it was. I loved the scenes when she had Rita Wilson, Mary Kaye Place, and Ali Wentworth over for dinners and wine. They were hilarious! Those were the funniest parts. Plus Alec Baldwin. I was laughing my head off when he and Meryl were sitting in the bath and she was taking a bubble bath and she called him big guy as a kind of term of endearment.. and he in turn reply’s as he’s eating her famous lavender ice cream, ” What’s with this big guy stuff, are you calling me that because I’m fat or is it some kind of term of endearment?” I thought it was so funny. He can pull that off with no problem. Great movie.. Geat set designs!!

Cherie Thomas-WoodNovember 26, 2010 at 3:52 pm

Wonderful movie and Alec Baldwin should win an Oscar for the Nude Bedroom scene lol He’s still Sexy in my book!!

JocelynNovember 27, 2010 at 9:15 am

Last night, I watched this movie for the first time since seeing it in the theaters.

I remember absolutely loving the house, so last night I thought, “I wonder if Hooked On Houses features this house?”

I quickly logged on and here it is! I love, love, love this house! Not as much as the Something’s Gotta Give house, but it’s still gorgeous!

I find myself saying, “God, I wish I was rich!” when I watch Nancy Meyers movies lol!

ChristyDecember 7, 2010 at 11:21 pm

Is there anyway to see a floorplan of the It’s Complicated house? How many bedrooms? How much square footage?

hookedonhousesDecember 8, 2010 at 8:09 am

I doubt it, since it was just a set. -Julia

Katy BeaumontDecember 10, 2010 at 7:51 am

I just watched this film again, and I’m in love with the bakery! I wish there were one just like it near me. I’m always dreaming of setting up a bakery/tea room, but really all I’d want to do is decorate it and eat all the produce.

I love Nancy Myers movies, partly because she writes so well for women and partly because I am constantly drooling over the gorgeous sets. Her movies are like an indulgence into a life I wish I had. I really love the set design in this movie, but the one thing that draws my eye every time is that dint in the kitchen fridge! I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t replace the door!
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..Charity Auction for Queensland Flood Victims =-.

SCandelariaFebruary 19, 2011 at 12:58 am

Thank you for posting these pictures! I’m in love with that house! Love your website!

As an expat of Santa Barbara this movie really touched my SB design principles. Thank you revealing the answers to many questions most notable “what bakery is that? Pierre la fond? Something new? A set in NY…” did see that one coming. Fab!

LisaJune 20, 2011 at 7:21 am

I finally watched this movie last night and the whole time I was watching it I was thinking “I hope Hooked on Houses highlighted this movie house” because I definitely wanted a closer look! And you did not disappoint – thank you!

CandiJune 29, 2011 at 11:42 pm

I totally agree this should be #1! I watch it’s Complicated just to look at the house, bakery and the scenery! I love Nancy Meyer films she creates amazing lifestyles on film. Father of the Bride 1 &2 love that house, Something’s gotta give and The Holiday. I love all of those homes!

GwynnethAugust 14, 2011 at 2:23 pm

Since this was the top pick, I thought I’d like it more. I haven’t seen the film, but this reminded me of a cross between Erica’s house in “Something’s Gotta Give” and Frances’ villa in “Under the Tuscan Sun”, yet not as pulled-together as the former, nor as charming as the latter.

I think the whole Big Kitchen/Gourmet Cook thing has been done to death in film lately. Everyone’s a chef! Somehow, Adam Sandler’s John Clasky pulls it off in “Spanglish” (he really IS a chef), but the others feel contrived. The only kitchen scene I truly love is the family at the end of “Moonstruck”, gathered round that table in the wonderful, Victorian kitchen, eating oatmeal and fighting about marriage proposals and infidelity.

WandaAugust 16, 2011 at 9:48 am

My favorite movie and house is in the movie ” As Good as it Gets” Totally loving this house too! AND the Garden!!!

DanielleMay 15, 2012 at 9:04 pm

Nancy Meyers has the best set designers!!

MaryMay 24, 2012 at 8:40 pm

Great movie, great cast. I loved the kitchen the most especially the dining/kitchen table.

MintNovember 5, 2012 at 3:25 am

I love all Nancy Meyers movies. The designs of the houses, actor’s wardrobes, music, and everything is just so elegant and beautiful.
I also LOVE the Napa Valley house from the Parent Trap.
She has such great style.